Hansen and Neuse Claim Preseason All-America

Alec Hansen
Junior // RHP Hansen was an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2015 after collecting 94 strikeouts and five wins as Oklahoma's Saturday starter. He struck out 12 in a win over Oregon State and pitched a complete game to beat No. 10 Texas Tech,

Sheldon Neuse
Junior // SS-RHP Neuse transitioned to shortstop as a sophomore and earned his second All-Big 12 First Team honor. He slugged six home runs and 10 doubles, while driving in 43 runs.

TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Oklahoma juniors Alec Hansen (Loveland, Colo.) and Sheldon Neuse (Fort Worth, Texas) each earned a spot on the Collegiate Baseball News/Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America Second Team as announced on Tuesday morning. Neuse, the Sooners' shortstop, claimed preseason All-America status for the second consecutive season.

Hansen, a projected first round pick in the upcoming 2016 MLB Draft, anchors the OU rotation after earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2015. A right-handed hurler, Hansen went 5-6 with a 3.95 earned run average and 94 strikeouts. Heading into 2016, Hansen, who was drafted in the 25^th round by the Colorado Rockies in 2013, is ranked as the third highest draft prospect by MLB.com.

Two years ago, Neuse was named a Freshman All-American by CBN and was the Big 12 Rookie of the Year. After moving from third base to shortstop in 2015, he earned All-Big 12 First Team for the second year in a row. Neuse hit .275 with six home runs, 43 runs batted in and 26 runs scored a season ago. Out of high school, he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2013 38^th round.

Opening day for the Sooners will be at home on February 19 as they host the Northeastern Huskies.